My Love Affair with Flying

  

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better" 

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm loving learning to fly, but for a different reason than you may think.  I've been told once you take-off for the first time as a student pilot you're hooked, but that really wasn't the case for me.  The first time I took off it was a rush but it wasn't an ah ha moment.  I've been flying with Shane for 11 1/2 years and it wasn't until this year that I had a desire to learn.  I was actually very content to be flown wherever I needed to go, and probably would still be that way if Sullivan hadn't come along.  My desire stemmed from wanting to be able to land Sullivan and I safely if something happened to Shane.  Shane and I's plan was to do a pinch hitter course but somewhere in the course of things the plan changed.  I can't speak for Shane but for me the draw has been getting to spend an hour of uninterrupted time together.  Those of you who have children know how hard carving out that time can be, and flying has been great for us and our relationship.  It has opened my eyes to how amazing my husband is, and how much of a team we really are.  I can honestly say that I think our relationship is stronger because we've done this, and the funny thing was I was totally skeptical about a positive outcome.  I'm so glad that I was wrong and Shane was right.  It's not very often I admit defeat, just ask Shane.

I'm getting closer and closer to solo with each lesson, and I'm very excited to cross it off my bucket list.   I'm a bit sad though because it will mean I have to fly without Shane at least twice.  Shane and I both agreed early on that the safe thing to do would be to have me fly with another instructor at some point. I know this is something I need to do, but I love flying with Shane.  He has created a perfect learning environment for me, and flying is fun and enjoyable.  I'm a little anxious about flying with another instructor, but that's pretty normal.  Shane says flying with another instructor kind of simulates the stress of flying solo.  I think I'm the most nervous because of the expectations the other instructor may have since I'm the boss's wife.  Shane is a very experienced pilot and flight instructor, and I pretty sure other instructors expect certain level of skills/finesse from his students.  I'm trying hard to not pysch myself out, so hopefully we can get it taken care of soon.  I can see many benefits to flying with another instructor.  As a teacher I've seen many great learning experiences as a result of co-teaching.  The tables are turned and being the student is a bit unnerving.  I guess it will make me a better teacher if I go back to the classroom someday.

I've heard so many negative experiences with a spouse being the flight instructor, and I can confidently say that it doesn't have to be that way.  The key for us has been having a back up plan, and staying on the same page.   We agreed early on if either one of us felt uncomfortable with how it was progressing that Shane would turn over the training to another instructor.  Shane has been an incredible instructor for me because he knows me so well.  He knows when he needs to push me and when to let things go, how to explain concepts in a way I can process, and has an amazing calming effect on me.  I also feel very comfortable asking him questions and communicating my frustrations, and in turn he's helped me work through my challenges. He has taught me in a way that has given me a whole new respect and admiration for him as a teacher.  I've learned so many things from him that I could take right back into my classroom if I was still teaching.  I look forward to seeing where this path takes us, because it's been  an amazing journey thus far.